6 Tips to Stay Sane During Your Renovation

Renovations are famously stressful, thanks to the disruption to your normal routine.  My husband and I have been through a few of our own, so I can personally vouch that the stress is huge, especially if you are living in the house during the reno!

Here are a few tips to manage the stress and prepare for the mess and chaos:

1. Set a Budget that includes an amount for contingencies.

   There is nothing worse than watching the money you have set aside dwindle so fast you don’t know if you can finish the renovation. 
    
   Be very clear as to what you want to do for your renovation BEFORE you start.  Get quotes for all materials and labor prior to starting so that you are aware of what the entire renovation is going to cost you. 
    
   And on top of that amount add another 10% for unforeseen things that may come up during the process, or if you don’t use this contingency amount you may decide to use it for some extras.

2. Choose your Arguments

   During the Design process decide what it is that you absolutely won’t budge on.  It might be that white counter top you have always wanted in your kitchen, or the painted cabinets that are not a standard white. 
    
   Whatever you really want, make that your ‘must haves’ are taken care of so that compromising on other items will be easier.

   

   

3. Get Inspired

   I always encourage clients to browse Houzz and Pinterest for ideas if they don’t know where to start. 
    
   Even if you find one thing you like in a photo, that is a good starting point that you can build from.  Make a ‘wish list’ of all the things you would like to have for your room as well as the reason you want the changes. 
    
   Is it the lack of functionality or is it to give a fresh updated look to your space?  You may not get all of your desired changes to fit into your budget however you will be able to prioritize and work your way through your wants, needs, must haves.

4. Find the Right Contractor

   It’s so important to find the right person to do the job for you.  This is a personal experience and you want to enjoy the process, even through the mess. 
    
   Interview a few and find someone that understands your requirements and that you feel you connect with.  Check their references and credentials. 
    
   The best way to find the right person is to get a reference from someone that has used this company in the past and ask them what their experience was like.

   

   

5. Prepare for Construction

   If you have holidays, it is always a good time to plan a trip so you are not around for the messiest part of the renovation. 
    
   If you are planning on living in the house during the reno make sure you have a temporary kitchen set up and a place to sleep that is away from the mess. 
    
   There will be a lot of noise during the day so if you work from home, you might want to make arrangements to work outside the house.  Construction is noisy and messy but a reliable contractor will always clean the site at the end of each day. 
    
   The area of the house you are staying in should be tarped off to avoid much dust getting into that area.

6. Stay Flexible

   A renovation is never perfect as there are so many people involved.  Don’t be surprised if there are material mix ups or timing issues. 
    
   That is the nature of the beast but if you are prepared and are flexible you won’t stress yourself out.  Renovations mean change, and change can mean upending your life for a few weeks. 
    
   If you plan your reno well and keep a good attitude, the change is well worth it.